By: Tiffany Yapp
MADISON (WKOW) — A wet Spring, means lots of mosquitoes this year, because experts say the more moisture on the ground, the more mosquitoes in the air.
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Shane McCoy, the technical training director at Wil-Kil Pest Control, says all mosquitoes need is a little inch of water and they can lay hundreds of eggs. He says the recent rain has created the perfect conditions for breeding
Mosquitoes not only prevent people from enjoying the outdoors, but they are a potential health risk. McCoy says mosquitoes have been known to be carriers of diseases such as West Nile Virus.
In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control documented 5,387 human cases of West Nile Virus in the U.S.
McCoy says it’s important to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
The following are some of Wil-Kil’s mosquito prevention tips:
- Drain standing water regularly because mosquitoes only need about a half-inch to breed.
- Dispose of discarded tires, cans or plastic containers left outside that may contain standing water.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheel barrows when not in use.
- Use effective mosquito repellent and apply according to the label instructions. Spray with a repellent containing permethrin or DEET for extra protection.
- If possible, avoid spending time outdoors during times of high mosquito activity; especially at dawn and dusk.
- Keep window screens repaired to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
- Clean clogged roof gutters.